Can ‘vegan shrimp’ compete with real fish? We do a blindfolded taste test to find out (2024)

Katie Mather

·2 min read

Introducing: Vrimp!

It’s a word I hope will never be the answer on Wordle andthe shorthand term for vegan shrimp.

And while the word is fun to say, does it really hold up to the gold standard of decapod crustaceans?

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How we taste-tested vegan shrimp against the real thing:

We compared two co*cktails — both alike in many ways, except one has fake shrimp, and the other is real.

We figured the best way to get to the bottom of whether vegan shrimp was actually tasty was to do a blind taste test. We wanted to see if I could even tell the difference between the two.

How to make a shrimp co*cktail at home:

The following instructions don’t apply to vrimp because they come ready to eat.

First, buy some deveined shrimp and make yourself a large bowl of water with ice.

Combine salt, sugar and water into a large saucepan with lemon juice — or lemon halves if you’re fancy. And after bringing it to a boil, add the shrimp and cook for around 2-3 minutes.

Then, put the shrimp in the ice water to cool off.

For the co*cktail sauce, mix chili sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, horseradish, pepper and hot sauce in a small bowl.

The results of the blind taste test:

Unfortunately, I could tell the difference immediately and was not impressed. Vrimp is not something I enjoy eating, especially compared to shrimp which never fails to satisfy me. Even drenched in co*cktail sauce, vegan shrimp just doesn’t have the texture or consistency of shrimp and tastes off.

Ultimately, this could still be a viable option for vegans who either want to fit in with shrimp-eaters or crave a shrimp co*cktail. But for shrimp lovers, stick to the original.

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Can ‘vegan shrimp’ compete with real fish? We do a blindfolded taste test to find out (2024)

FAQs

Can ‘vegan shrimp’ compete with real fish? We do a blindfolded taste test to find out? ›

The results of the blind taste test:

Does vegan shrimp taste like real shrimp? ›

All three testers were amazed by the way the plant-based shrimp combine with other ingredients. It can absolutely hold its own against the real thing. Its bite was just right as was the consistency on the tongue, and it has a faint flavor of the sea.

Can vegetarians eat shrimp? ›

Overview. Vegetarians don't eat any food products made from meat, fish, shellfish, crustacea (such as prawns or crab) or animal by-products (such as gelatine or rennet). Vegans don't eat any food products that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

Can I eat vegan shrimp if I'm allergic to shrimp? ›

However, it would seem that choosing vegan is anything but safe for those with food allergies. The Food Standards Agency warns that consumers should not rely on a 'vegan' logo if they have milk, fish, crustacean, mollusc and/or egg food allergies.

Is vegan shrimp good for you? ›

Vegan shrimp is a valuable source of plant-based protein. It offers a nutritious alternative to animal protein, making it an excellent option for vegans, vegetarians, and individuals looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.

Can vegans eat scallops? ›

Simply put, no – scallops aren't suitable for vegans as they're a living part of the animal kingdom. Although there might be some arguments that their lack of a central nervous system stops them from feeling pain in the same way as mammals, this still doesn't mean that they're suitable for vegans.

What is vegan shrimp made of? ›

Mind-Blown™ Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based seafood alternative designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional shrimp. It is crafted from a blend of vegetable and legume ingredients, including konjac powder, pea starch, and seaweed extract.

Can vegans eat lobster? ›

Can vegans eat seafood? The straight forward answer here is no, vegans don't eat fish or seafood. In fact, neither do vegetarians – if you're interested in cutting out or reducing your dairy and meat intake, then you might be interested to learn more about the pescatarian diet.

What are vegan shrimp made of? ›

Mind-Blown™ Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based seafood alternative designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional shrimp. It is crafted from a blend of vegetable and legume ingredients, including konjac powder, pea starch, and seaweed extract.

Does artificial shrimp flavor have shrimp? ›

While artificial shrimp flavor is primarily a combination of synthetic compounds, it is crucial to check for any animal-derived ingredients. Some brands may use additives like fish oil, shrimp extract, or even animal-based flavor enhancers.

Does mantis shrimp taste like regular shrimp? ›

The meat was intensely sweet, like lobster, only even more tender than the tenderest of tiny chicken lobsters. It was, by far, the most delicious of the squirmy creatures I've encountered at the Flushing markets.

Why do some vegans eat shrimp? ›

Some people on plant-based or vegan diets might choose to eat molluscs as their lack of a central nervous system stops them from feeling pain in the same way as mammals.

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